Thompson blew through both Double-A and Triple-A before making his major league debut in Yankee Stadium in June. His major league results were typically spotty, though it was revealed shortly after he was sent back down that he had a shoulder strain. There's no doubt that the Reds rushed Thompson, thanks mostly to the struggles of Homer Bailey. Thompson should begin 2009 at Louisville, and he'll be better prepared for his next taste of the majors.

2008

Thompson might be the one player that hasn't been a disappointment from the Reds-Nats trade in 2006. Returning from a torn labrum, Thompson dominated in five starts for Low-A Dayton before holding his own at High-A Sarasota. He doesn't throw especially hard (fastball generally in the 89-92 mph range), but so far has been able to maintain a decent strikeout rate. Double-A will provide a big test for Thompson in 2008.